Intel has agreed a development partnership with Google to help "optimise" the Android operating system to run on its processors.

The partnership is designed to speed up the "time-to-market of Intel technology-based smartphones running the Android platform".

It is also designed to give Intel, the world's largest chipmaker in the computer and server sector, a stronger foothold in the fast-growing market for mobile devices.

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Intel has so far come second in the mobile chipset market to Cambridge-based designer ARM Holdings, which has developed some popular low power consumption chips.

"By optimising the Android platform for Intel architecture, we bring a powerful new capability to market that will accelerate more industry adoption and choice, and bring exciting new products to market that harness the combined potential of Intel technology and the Android platform," said Intel president and chief executive Paul Otellini.

"Together we are accelerating Intel architecture and bringing new levels of innovation to a maturing Android platform."

Andy Rubin, senior vice president of mobile at Google, added: "Combining Android with Intel's low power smartphone roadmap opens up more opportunity for innovation and choice. This collaboration will drive the Android ecosystem forward."

Demand for smartphones and tablet computers has skyrocketed in recent years and Google's Android is rapidly becoming a leading operating system in the market.

However, Intel has been criticised for being too slow to respond to the changing trends, after only recently launching its response to ARM in the form of the Oak Trail processor range.

David Kanter, of Real World Technologies, told BBC News that the partnership would help Intel grow its presence in the Android market.

"It's really about Google saying that Intel is going to be a first-class citizen in the Android ecosystem," he said.